NYT Connections Hints and Answers for August 6, 2025: Puzzle #787 Was a True Mental Workout
NYT Connections puzzle #787 tested players with tricky themes on August 6. Here are today’s hints, answers, and expert tips to help you solve it.
NYT Connections puzzle #787 baffled solvers with boxing terms, fashion fasteners, muscle slang, and teasing verbs.

The New York Times' brain-teasing word game, Connections, returned today with Puzzle #787, and many players described it as nothing short of a mental sparring session. Released on August 6, the puzzle left even experienced solvers second-guessing their choices, drawing comparisons to a “mental boxing match.”
With the success of Wordle, NYT Connections has cemented its place as the go-to daily challenge for language and logic lovers. The task? Group 16 words into four logical categories. But don’t let the simplicity fool you — today’s grid was designed to mislead.
August 6 Hints: Teasing Themes and Twists
For those stuck midway, four subtle hints emerged, as reported by Beebom:
- Yellow: Muhammad Ali’s signature moves
- Green: Things that attach to your clothing
- Blue: Parts of your body with a twist
- Purple: Words that mean “to hook you in”
Each group demanded not just word knowledge but cultural and contextual insight.
Behind the Puzzle: Category Breakdown
Here’s how the answers played out for August 6:
- BOXING PUNCHES: Cross, Hook, Jab, Uppercut
- ACCESSORY WITH A POINTY FASTENER: Badge, Brooch, Button, Pin
- MUSCLE NICKNAMES PLUS “S”: Shammy, Spec, Squad, Strap
- TEASE: Bait, Needle, Rag, Rib
The editorial strategy was clear — misdirection through semantics. Many users online said they spent more time than usual circling back on guesses.
Strategy Tips for NYT Connections
If today’s puzzle got the better of you, here are some pro tips:
- Shuffle Words Often: It disrupts visual patterns and reveals new connections.
- Think Broadly: Some categories rely on slang or sound, not literal meaning.
- Use Guesses Wisely: You only get four mistakes — test pairings in your head first.
- Start With the Obvious: Yellow categories tend to be easiest; solve them first to reduce the field.
About NYT Connections
Launched by The New York Times, Connections is a daily word puzzle where players sort 16 words into four connected groups. It combines linguistic nuance with logic, pop culture, and the occasional pun.